I was intrigued for the idea of a darknet, as seen all over certain reddit subreddits, and was developed an idea in my head that I need some help to figure out.

Is it possible to set up an ad-hoc network with wireless signal extenders so that every computer on that ad-hoc network can share files with one another without use of the Internet?

Is it possible to do such a thing using solar-powered weather proof routers turned into signal extenders? I want to try to make small extenders and start the network from my dorm room using a desktop, then try to extend across my quad to a dorm building on the other side using routers I can leave hidden outside that will power themselves.

the only problem might be that Wifi do take a lot of power, not sure if a small solar panel will provide sufficient power for continuous Wifi usage.
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Lie RyanJan 17 '12 at 3:11

I was thinking more along the lines of what Paul was saying below with a solar cell charging batteries which power the device, so they shouldn't go below a certain level ever until night -- though the concern about power is noted, thank you.
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James RosemanJan 17 '12 at 3:19

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for the battery to charge at sunlight, the solar panel had to produce more power than the device is using and for long term usage the battery had to be able to hold for some cloudy days; I don't know if a solar panel with the size of a portable device would be able to generate sufficient power for continuous Wifi usage (you'd have to do some calculation), you may need a large solar panel so it is no longer possible to conceal.
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Lie RyanJan 17 '12 at 4:23

That's a really good point I hadn't fully considered.
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James RosemanJan 17 '12 at 4:27

How do I set an ad-hoc network for the repeater? Won't it just repeat the best signal?
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James RosemanJan 17 '12 at 3:23

An ad-hoc network is created without wireless APs, whereas this approach uses wifi APs. It seems if you are going to purchase extendors, you may as well use APs (same cost pretty much) and more flexibility, and no need for ad-hoc
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PaulJan 17 '12 at 3:51

I'm sorry if this is elementary networking -- but don't APs rely on an existing internet connection, rather than simply connection computers together? If there was no internet available where you were, for instance, would your setup connect computers together?
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James RosemanJan 17 '12 at 4:07

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@JamesRoseman Yes definitly. Wireless APs aren't related to internet connectivity, it is just that lots of domestic internet routers happen to have wifi built in. You can get APs without any internet capability at all, or get APs that have a WAN port, and just ignore it.
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PaulJan 17 '12 at 4:39

So just to be clear, if I were to get a bunch of small APs, I could set up this network? What would it look like to a computer, a wi-fi network?
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James RosemanJan 17 '12 at 5:17

I've also given this a lot of thought. I'd want to reprogram Nintendo DS machines with custom software, make them weather proof and toss them on the roof of the local starbucks or other free hotspots with a 16GB SD card. It would have all the software needed to crack, sniff, host, etc.